Orthotics come in three main types, each offering different levels of support and customization. Off-the-shelf, or OTS insoles, are mass-produced and provide cushioning and mild correction but may not address specific biomechanical issues. Functional foot orthoses, FFOs, are semi-custom devices made from durable materials like plastic or graphite, improving foot alignment and redistributing pressure to help with conditions like plantar fasciitis or overpronation. Custom-molded total contact insoles, TCIs, offer the highest level of customization, crafted from a detailed mold of the foot to ensure maximum contact and even weight distribution. They are ideal for individuals with diabetes, severe deformities, or chronic pain. Choosing the right type of orthotic depends on foot structure, medical conditions, and activity level. For the best results, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to determine which orthotic is best suited to your needs.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain during ice skating can be caused by several factors. One of the primary reasons is poorly fitting skates. If the skates are too tight or too loose, they can put excessive pressure on the ankles, leading to discomfort or injury. Another cause is poor skating technique. Incorrect posture or improper alignment while skating can strain the ankle joint and surrounding muscles, contributing to pain. Ankle overload is also a factor, as ice skating places a significant amount of pressure on the ankles, especially during jumps, sharp turns, or extended sessions. A lack of fitness or weak muscles in the lower legs can further worsen the issue, making it difficult for the body to properly support the ankles during skating. If your ankles or feet hurt from ice skating, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief methods, and guide you on foot protection while skating.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, affects the nail bed, leading to discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nail. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes or public spaces, such as locker rooms. Symptoms typically include yellow, white, or brown staining, thickened nails, crumbling edges, and an unpleasant odor. As the infection progresses, it can cause pain and discomfort, especially while walking or wearing shoes. Treatment options often include topical or oral antifungal medications, which work to eliminate the infection. For more severe cases, a podiatrist might suggest laser therapy or even nail removal to achieve better results. Maintaining clean, dry feet is essential to prevent reinfection. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan to address your specific needs. If you are experiencing toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or do not form properly, leading to the entire sole making contact with the ground. This condition affects the biomechanics of walking and running, as the natural shock absorption provided by the arches is diminished. Without the arch, the foot tends to over-pronate, meaning it rolls inward excessively during movement. This alters the alignment of the ankle, knee, and hip, potentially leading to discomfort or pain in these areas. The abnormal motion can also increase strain on the ligaments and tendons of the foot, resulting in inflammation and fatigue. Over time, flat feet can contribute to conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, or even joint problems due to improper weight distribution. Understanding the biomechanics of flat feet is essential for identifying the best treatment options, such as orthotics or corrective exercises. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peroneal tendonitis causes pain along the outer side of the ankle due to inflammation and degeneration of the peroneal tendons in the leg. These tendons connect the peroneal muscles in the lower leg to the bones in the foot and ankle. They help with foot stability and movements like pointing the toes downward and turning the foot outward. Peroneal tendonitis often develops from repetitive strain, overuse, or injuries like ankle sprains. Symptoms typically include pain and tenderness along the outer ankle, discomfort that worsens with activity, and stiffness, especially after rest. People with high arches, tight calf muscles, or a history of ankle sprains are at greater risk of peroneal tendonitis, as these factors can increase stress on the tendons. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and evaluate contributing factors like foot structure or gait mechanics. This foot doctor can also prescribe orthotics and suggest other ways to alleviate strain on the tendons. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and necessary treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.